Join us for a look into Rare Books and Special Collections’ array of historical maps. Enjoy this exclusive viewing as curators from Rare Books pull maps from the archives that are rarely seen. Come be a part of the journey into map-making history.

Exhibition curators Heather Green and Peter Olson will discuss the artwork on display and the process of working with artists to put the show together.

In related programming, the NIU Art Museum is touring Chicago cultural heritage museums as a part of its Get-On-The-Bus trips. Sign up to participate in cultural and artistic customs from around globe! To sign up for our Get-On-The-Bus trips, contact Green (hgreen2@niu.edu), Jo Burke (jburke2@niu.edu) or call (815) 753-1936.

Chicago Cultural Heritage Museums IIFriday, May 17

A cultural tour around Chicago will take travelers to The Indo American Center, the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art and the Ukrainian National Museum in the Ukrainian Village. Bus departs at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 6:30 p.m. NIU Art Museum members are $30; students and seniors (non-members) are $35; all others are $40. Price includes museum entrance fees and transportation; meal costs on own. Registration and payment deadline is Wednesday, May 15.

Chicago Cultural Heritage Museums IIIFriday, June 7

In this installment of the cultural heritage tours, travelers will visit The Swedish-American Museum and enjoy some Swedish meatballs (or the like) in Andersonville before visiting the Dank Haus in Lincoln Square. Beer, brats and all things German will be readily available! Bus departs at 9 a.m. and returns at 7:30pm. NIU Art Museum members are $25; students and seniors (non-members) are $30; all others are $35. Price includes museum entrance and transportation; meal costs on own. Registration and payment deadline is Wednesday, June 5.

Chicago Cultural Heritage Museums IVFriday, June 21

Tours around Chicago’s heritage museums conclude with the Chinese-American Museum of Chicago, and The Jane Addams Hull House Museum at UIC. While in the area, travelers will explore Chinatown and Little Italy. Bus departs at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 6:30 p.m. NIU Art Museum members are $30; students and seniors (non-members) are $35; all others are $40. Price includes museum entrance fees and transportation; meal costs on own. Registration and payment is due by Friday, June 7.

Located on the west-end first floor of Altgeld Hall, the galleries are open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and by appointment for group tours.

Exhibitions and lectures are free; donations are appreciated.

Pay parking is available in the visitor’s lot on Carroll Avenue and at metered spots in front of Altgeld Hall. Free parking is available Saturdays and during receptions and visiting artist lectures in the lot northeast of Gilbert and College Drives.

The exhibition is sponsored in part by the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; the Friends of the NIU Art Museum; and the Dean’s Circle of the College of Visual and Performing Arts, NIU Foundation.